There’s no better place to celebrate Easter than in Ireland’s most vibrant cities and towns. From family-friendly events to cultural festivities, Kilkenny, Carlow, Waterford, Limerick, and Dublin offer plenty of activities to make your Easter memorable. Moreover, with JJ Kavanagh’s comfortable and reliable services, getting there is effortless, freeing you to worry less about logistics and focus on creating new memories.
Top Easter Events
Kilkenny – Easter Egg Hunts and Medieval Wonders
Kilkenny comes alive during Easter, offering a blend of historical charm and festive activities for all ages. Families can enter the seasonal spirit at the Nore Valley Park Easter Egg Hunt, which takes place between Saturday, April 12th, and Sunday, April 20th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
With egg hunts, creative workshops, outdoor games, sing-alongs, and other interactive experiences, the CMD Easter Camp at the parish hall in Callan offers plenty from Monday, April 14th, to Friday, April 18th, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Alternatively, visiting Kilkenny Castle, the city’s most iconic landmark, offers insights into Ireland’s rich history. What’s more, as visitors tour the castle’s grand halls and admire its exquisite art collections, little ones may stumble upon an egg or two left behind by the Easter Bunny!
JJ Kavanagh’s Route to Kilkenny and Callan: Travel comfortably on our 717 or 736 services and arrive in the heart of Kilkenny, where Easter celebrations and medieval wonders await. With stops just a short stroll from Kilkenny Castle, artisan cafés, and the city’s top attractions, your adventure begins as soon as you step off the bus. For those travelling to Callan Parish Hall, our 717 service also drops you conveniently outside the Steppes Bar, ensuring a hassle-free journey.
Carlow – Easter Music, Culture, and Family Fun
Country music fans in Carlow are in for a treat on Friday, 18th April, when Claudia Buckley & Band take to the stage from 9 pm at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel for a special Easter night of country dancing. The celebrations continue at the Woodford on Friday 25th April from 8 pm to 11 pm with a performance by the Kilfenora Céilí Band, one of Ireland’s oldest and most beloved traditional music groups.
This rich musical offering sets the tone for the International Pan Celtic Festival, which takes over the streets of Carlow from 22nd to 26th April. The five-day event brings together choirs, dancers, storytellers, and musicians to celebrate the Celtic nations’ languages, cultures, and traditions—including Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, and the Isle of Man. To top it all off, visiting the Delta Sensory Gardens between 17th and 28th March offers an ideal way to slow the pace and savour spring at its best. Home to over 10,000 daffodil bulbs across a wide variety of species, a tranquil walking path, and an award-winning café, the gardens’ sea of golden blooms is bound to provide much-needed breathing space from the buzz of the town centre.
The Carlow GAA Easter Football Camp offers a fun and active environment for the children to hone their Gaelic football skills from Tuesday, 15th to Thursday, 17th April from 10 am to 1 pm at South East Technological University’s (SETU) Carlow campus. The focus shifts the next week, as the Carlow GAA Easter Hurling Camp takes over SETU from Tuesday, 22nd to Thursday, 24th April.
JJ Kavanagh’s Route to Carlow: Hop aboard our 736 service to Carlow and enjoy easy access to all the Easter festivities. The Delta Sensory Gardens are a pleasant 35-minute walk from Carlow Coach Park- perfect for taking in the town at your own pace- while the Woodford Dolmen Hotel is just a 13-minute stroll from our stop at Tyndall College. And for those heading to SETU, our service stops next to the campus, making the journey as convenient as possible.
Waterford – Foodie Festivals, Creative Camps, and Family Fun
The Waterford Festival of Food returns from 25th to 27th April, celebrating local and artisan produce over three action-packed days. Visitors of all ages can enjoy bustling street markets, chef demonstrations, tasting trails, open-air feasts, river picnic cruises, and Fit for Breakfast sessions, all while soaking in Waterford’s breathtaking scenery.
From cupcake decorating workshops and donut-themed story time and crafts to the ever-popular Kids Kitchen Takeover and the charming Family Farm Bus, there’s no shortage of hands-on fun. Families with smaller children will also find plenty to enjoy, with teddy bear picnics, sensory play zones, and themed treasure hunts on offer.
JJ Kavanagh’s Route to Waterford: Getting to Waterford is a breeze on our 736 service, with central stops placing you right in the thick of the city’s Easter action. The Waterford Festival of Food takes place across the town, so the celebrations won’t be far from wherever you hop off. For those heading to the Quaker Meeting House, disembark at the stop next to Rapid Cabs, just an 18-minute walk away.
Limerick – Woodland Bunnies, Library Tales, and Riverside Brunches
Limerick is a wonderful place to celebrate Easter, with events across the city offering something for all ages. For younger visitors, booking an appointment with the Easter Bunny in her cosy woodland burrow at the Jetland Shopping Centre between Friday 11th and Saturday 19th April is a must.
Little ones will love the Storytime for Young Children and Parent & Toddler Morning events at the Watch House Cross Community Library. Taking place on Thursday, March 27th, at 4 p.m. and Friday, March 28th, at 10:30 a.m., these weekly free events are ideal for children aged 2 to 6.
For the grown-ups or anyone who enjoys the finer things in life, The River Bar & Restaurant at the Limerick Strand Hotel serves a decadent Hoppy Hour Bottomless Brunch on Saturday, April 12th, at 1 p.m. Set against the backdrop of the River Shannon, with its stunning views and vibrant atmosphere, this marks the perfect way to enjoy a relaxed Easter celebration with friends or family.
JJ Kavanagh’s Route to Limerick: Travel to Limerick in style on our 735 service, with stops well-placed for all your Easter plans. Arthur’s Quay is your best bet for those travelling to the Limerick Strand Hotel, just a 7-minute walk along the riverside.
The same stop also serves those heading to Jetland Shopping Centre, which is 36 minutes away on foot. Finally, those visiting Watch House Cross Library are best served by our stop at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), a 25-minute walk away.
Dublin – Stadium Tours, Stage Lights, and Artful Easter Moments
Dublin always has something for every age and interest. One of the season’s most charming experiences is the Teidí Tours at Croke Park, running on select dates between Friday, 18th and Friday, 25th April. Designed for younger visitors, each child will be allowed to build their GAA-themed teddy before heading off on a family-friendly stadium tour, all while enjoying pitchside views, dressing room tours, and full access to the GAA Museum’s Junior Explorer Trail.
The Swan Leisure Easter Camp in Rathmines for kids aged 4–12 will run from Monday 14th to Thursday 17th April. Meanwhile, for creative children aged 3–12, the Performers Ireland Easter Camp—from Monday 14th to Friday 18th April—offers a mix of dance, drama, and art.
For grown-ups, the Drink & Draw: Easter Bunny event at Gen Bar in Smithfield offers a fun evening of art and cocktails on Saturday, April 19th, at 7 p.m. Alternatively, those seeking a more relaxed, hands-on experience will enjoy the Easter Art Workshop for Adults at Clondalkin Library on Friday, April 11th.
JJ Kavanagh’s Route to Dublin: Dublin is served by all three of our 717, 735, and 736 routes, with our stops at Eden Quay and North Wall Quay providing access to Easter events citywide. Both are just over a 30-minute walk from Croke Park. Those heading to Swan Leisure in Rathmines can hop on the LUAS from Eden Quay to Marlborough, followed by a 15-minute walk, for around 29 minutes. Similarly, those heading to Le Chéile Donnycarney Community & Youth Centre must walk just 4 minutes to Tara Street from Eden Quay. From there, take the DART to Killester, after which the community centre is a 17-minute walk away. For those heading to Gen Bar in Smithfield, Heuston Station is just an easy 18-minute walk away, and Clondalkin Library is likewise just an 18-minute stroll away from the Red Cow LUAS stop.
Why Choose JJ Kavanagh?
Free Wifi
On-board wifi
USB Charging
USB points at each seat
Toilets
For your convenience
Comfort
Very comfortable seats
Baggage
Ample allowance
With an average vehicle age of less than four years, our coach fleet is one of the most modern, reliable, and comfortable in the European marketplace. We invest significantly in upgrading and expanding our fleet annually to provide you with the best travel experience. Our commitment to maintaining a young and technologically advanced fleet ensures that you receive top-quality service and comfort on every journey.
Book Your Easter Journey with JJ Kavanagh
Book your Easter journey with JJ Kavanagh today and enjoy a stress-free, extraordinary journey to Ireland’s top destinations.